Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay in Alabaster, AL: $28.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a elementary school teacher working in Alabaster, AL runs $28.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,646 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 25-2021). Weighted against Alabaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,791 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alabaster, Alabama, elementary school teachers earn a median hourly rate of $28.68, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.06. This hourly wage translates into varying experiences for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, such as in K-12 classroom settings, special education, and after-school programs. For instance, a teacher working three days a week, totaling roughly 24 hours, would earn about $34,500 annually, a significant factor for educators seeking flexibility. The hourly pay range is broad, spanning from $23.29 for entry-level positions up to $44.45 for the top earners in the field, reflecting the diversity of teaching roles available in the area.
About the Alabaster Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.29 | $186.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.96 | $215.69 |
| Median (P50) | $28.68 | $229.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.42 | $283.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.45 | $355.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Alabaster
Based on $28.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.68/hr, a elementary school teacher working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Alabaster, AL can expect to earn approximately $59,651 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,414. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Alabaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Alabaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,147.13 | $4,971 | $59,651 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $688.28 | $2,983 | $35,791 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.85 | $1,988 | $23,860 |
Compare Teacher Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Elementary School Teacher (Alabaster) | $28.68 |
| Middle School Teacher (National Avg) | $32.16 |
| High School Teacher (National Avg) | $33.55 |
| Preschool Teacher (National Avg) | $18.53 |
| Special Education Teacher (National Avg) | $32.74 |
Elementary School Teachers in Alabaster, AL earn a median of $59,646 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.66% lower than the national median of $64,597 and 3.10% below the Alabama state average of $61,554.
Elementary School Teacher Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.68/hr = $35,791/year (purchasing power: $40,717).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,651/year (purchasing power: $67,862).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Elementary School Teachers in Alabaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 0.98% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for elementary school teachers in Alabaster grew 7.2% from $26.49/hr (2019) to $28.40/hr (2025). At a 0.98% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.96/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem elementary school teachers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alabaster metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 0.98% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Elementary School Teacher in Alabaster
For many educators in Alabaster, the earning potential shifts drastically when considering part-time work or substituting. Typically, substitute teachers earn between $100 to $250 daily, aligning well with the financial needs of those who may not seek full-time positions. Tutoring offers another avenue, with rates varying based on the platform, ranging from $30 to $80 per hour, and high-demand private tutoring can command even more. Teachers could choose employment in K-12 public schools, charter networks, or private institutions, each varying in hourly compensation. Some educators sacrifice higher hourly pay for the stability of health insurance, underscoring the need for practical negotiation discussions on benefits versus pay. Understanding these dynamics can empower elementary school teachers in Alabaster to make informed choices about their career paths and work arrangements.
More salary data for Alabaster, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 0.98% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for elementary school teachers in Alabaster. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alabaster is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.98%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for elementary school teachers (SOC 25-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov